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Is your dishwasher not draining water? Learn 7 easy fixes for clogs, pump failures & more.
Samsung Dishwasher top rack not cleaning
Common reasons your Samsung Dishwasher top rack not cleaning
The most common reasons your Samsung dishwasher top rack is not cleaning are a faulty circulation pump, a clogged spray arm, or a rusted dishrack.
30% of the time it's the Circulation Pump
26% of the time it's the Spray Arm
12% of the time it's the Dishrack
32% of the time it's the Something else
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Most common repairs needed to fix a Samsung dishwasher
Circulation Pump Replacement
A faulty circulation pump is often the cause when your dishwasher is not cleaning the dishes. The pump sends water up through the spray arms to clean dishes during the cycle. When a broken pump impeller or failed motor prevents the pump from working, dishes won't get sprayed clean. You may hear unusual noises from the pump and motor assembly such as buzzing or grinding when it isn't working and dishes don't get clean. Schedule in-home repair through Sears Home Services to have a technician visit your home and fix the dishwasher when a faulty pump is apparent.
Spray Arm Replacement
A clogged spray arm can prevent water from reaching dishes when the dishwasher is not washing dishes properly. Hard water deposits or debris can build up around the spray arm holes so water won't spray out of the spray arm properly. The spray arm also won't spin properly if spray holes are clogged. When your dishwasher won't wash the dishes properly, have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert visit your home and examine the dishwasher. The technician will clear clogs in the spray arms to fix the cleaning problem.
Dishrack Replacement
A rusted dishrack could be the reason your dishwasher's top rack is not cleaning effectively. Over time, the dishrack's protective coating can wear away, exposing the metal underneath to water and causing it to rust. Rust can cause the dishrack to deteriorate, leading to misalignment or improper positioning of the rack. This misalignment can prevent the upper spray arms from reaching the dishes properly, resulting in poor water circulation and inadequate cleaning. You might notice food particles remaining on the dishes or uneven cleaning performance. To address this issue, inspect the top dishrack for signs of rust or damage. If the dishes in the upper rack aren't getting clean, schedule an appointment with a Sears Home Services technician to inspect your dishwasher.
Why is my Samsung dishwasher not cleaning the top rack?
Load dishes correctly
Follow the guidelines in the owner’s manual to load the dishes in your Samsung dishwasher correctly.
Properly loading dishes will allow spray to reach all dish surfaces for thorough cleaning.
Clean the dishwasher filters
Follow the instructions in the owner’s manual to clean the filters in your Samsung dishwasher.
Clogged filters can inhibit water flow going to the upper spray arm in the dishwasher.
Check the spray arms
Check spray arms for damage and clean debris and deposits out of spray arm holes.
Clogged or damaged spray arms won’t clean dishes properly.
Additional tips for improving cleaning
View this video to find additional tips on improving cleaning in your dishwasher such as checking water temperature and using rinse aid:
Following these tips should help you resolve the problem with dishes in the top rack not getting clean.
If you still have cleaning issues after using these tactics to resolve the problem, schedule dishwasher repair service to have a Sears Home Services technician visit your home and fix the dishwasher.
What to expect when you experience a Samsung dishwasher top rack not cleaning issue
How is the dishwasher top rack not cleaning issue fixed?
Correcting most dishwasher top rack not cleaning issues involves replacing the circulation pump, spray arm, or dishrack. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.
Sears Home Services recommendations for a dishwasher top rack not cleaning problem
When a dishwasher top rack is not cleaning, it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts, we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of dishwasher failures.
What to look out for with a dishwasher top rack not cleaning diagnosis
Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your dishwasher problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.
When your Samsung dishwasher’s top rack remains grimy, weak spray pressure or a blocked upper arm might be at fault. That means you’re re-washing cups and bowls by hand. Rather than throwing in the towel, call dishwasher repair service near me. Restoring strong spray coverage ensures every level emerges spotless.
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Thorough
James called to give an estimated arrival time. He was professional and personable. He had 2 professional ideas of the problem and found 1 was correct, but he didn't stop there. He did a thorough check of the appliance. 1 small part was needed. He ordered the part to my house. Fortunately, he was able to schedule for the next week, just before Thanksgiving. As before, he called ahead, arrived and quickly fixed the problem. My appliance is working perfectly.
Kirsten A, Oxford, PA
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Luke was great. Polite and knowledgeable even though the dishwasher was older than he!
James G, Hillsboro, MO
Daniel
Daniel went above and beyond to fix my dish washer. Very pleasant to deal with.
Paul F, Hghlnds Ranch, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the top rack of my Samsung dishwasher not cleaning?
Clogged spray arms, low water pressure, or a malfunctioning pump could prevent the top rack from getting clean.
How can I fix my Samsung dishwasher's top rack not cleaning?
Clean the spray arms, check the water pressure, and inspect the pump for issues.
Could clogged spray arms stop the top rack in my Samsung dishwasher from cleaning?
Yes, blocked or clogged spray arms can hinder water flow to the top rack, preventing proper cleaning.
What should I do if my Samsung dishwasher's top rack isn't cleaning?
Clean the spray arms, check the water pressure, and inspect the pump to ensure proper cleaning performance.
Repair Dishwasher Resources
Learn how to drain a GE dishwasher with our step-by-step guide. Keep your dishwasher running smoothly with our expert tips.
Find out why your dishwasher won’t turn on and get expert tips from Sears Home Services to fix the problem.
If the dishes in your dishwasher are no longer getting clean, it could be the spray arm is clogged.
Glossary Terms
A dishwasher end panel is a finishing piece installed on the exposed side of a dishwasher, primarily when it is at the end of kitchen cabinetry, to ensure a seamless and aesthetically pleasing look in the kitchen.
A dishwasher diverter motor controls the direction of water flow to different spray arms within the dishwasher, ensuring optimal water distribution during each wash cycle for thorough cleaning.
A dishwasher drawer is a compact, space-saving kitchen appliance designed to clean dishes efficiently, resembling a standard kitchen drawer that slides out for easy loading and unloading.
Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.